Send to KindleLast night I asked Courtney and Lauren what I should blog about today. They suggested I write about social media. I’m taking their advice.
Here are thirteen things I want my daughters to know about using social media:
1. Social media might be worth your time, but only a very small portion of it; set boundaries or you’ll miss out on the best things in life.
2. Social media is not free; be sure you understand what providers (and others) are taking from you and what it’s worth.
3. Social media is useful for connecting with people in other places who are like you in some way; this is good. But remember that real life is more about learning to live with and love people who are near you and different from you in many ways.
4. It is OK to present yourself in a positive light, so long as you are being truthful. You are under no obligation to bare your soul to the Internet.
5. Even the most “transparent” people only share online what they want to share; you are probably not seeing a complete picture of their character or life.
6. Social media has a way of making us feel small and insignificant . . . but you are so significant. Resist the comparison trap.
7. Never count on privacy on the Internet; only share what you’re willing for the world to know. In the future, someone upon whom you want to make a good impression will see what you post today.
8. Social media can create false guilt; remember that you are not personally responsible for correcting every social justice issue known to humanity. Discover your passion and then focus on it.
9. Social media can create anxiety, and you’re not even sure where it comes from. Remember who loves you and holds you in His hands.
10. Like most of our culture, social media encourages and rewards extrovertism; introverts are likely to find social media even less fulfilling than others. At the same time, social media levels the playing field a bit for introverts; communicate clearly and powerfully, and you can be heard.
11. Always be kind. Let your online life reflect that you are growing in faith, hope, and love, and the fruit of the Spirit.
12. Real life is always local; connect most with your family, friends, and neighbors. Talk more with the person who serves your coffee or hot chocolate than you do your average Facebook friend.
13. And finally, know that when you need me, you won’t look for me at kevinscottwrites.com. As long as I live, you’ll know where I live (hopefully it will be close) and how to get in touch with me, and I’ll be there for you any time of the day or night. That’s the difference between social media and real life. Always invest more in the people with whom you truly share life.
You might also enjoy 11+ Things a Daughter Needs from Her Father.
This is an excellent manifesto my friend. Outstanding. I just sent this link to my 13-year old who you can easily find on FB!
Bless You!
Thanks Scott! I’m glad you liked it.
Kevin, I think you could easily rename this “13 Things Humans Need to Know about Social Media”. Thanks for sharing and thanks for allowing your daughters to influence your subject matter. I often ask my wife and kids what I should write about – its always a good perspective.
Thanks Dean. I think you’re right about all of us needing to keep these things in mind.
Great stuff, Kevin!
Thanks Dennis. Wasn’t that long ago our girls were playing together, was it? Man, time flies.
This was excellent Kevin.
Thanks Tom. I appreciate it. Hope your crew is doing well.
Kevin as the parent of 3 teenagers I think you hit it right on! Thanks for the encouraging words from your daily blogs.
Thanks Cindy!
I agree wholeheartedly. Great post for your gals….that can easily be cross applied to each of us.
Thank you, Lisa. I’m glad you found it helpful!
This is some really great stuff, kevin. i’ve got one girl on the cusp of teenage hood and we’ve been talking about internet stuff. so good. thank you so much for linking up!!
Thanks for your kind words, Sarah, and what a great idea to call for posts on social media, authenticity, and privacy. Thanks for giving me the chance to post a link.
kevin, i found this via (in)courage and sarah markley. i was struck by this: “Social media can create anxiety, and you’re not even sure where it comes from. Remember who loves you and holds you in His hands.” it’s so true and i haven’t seen it written down so perfectly. i’m encouraged by what you wrote as i train my children to benefit from the best of social media and be aware of the pitfalls. thank you.
Thank you, Kris. I’m glad that you found the post helpful!